Casey Mize: Is related to Johnny Mize| Wife| Contract| Net worth

Introduction

Casey Mize, a promising right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, has made headlines since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. Known for his precise control, powerful fastball, and maturity on the mound, Mize has emerged as a central figure in Detroit’s rebuilding efforts. However, a recurring question among baseball fans is whether Casey Mize is related to Johnny Mize, a Hall of Fame slugger from the mid-20th century.

This article explores Casey Mize’s background, family history, his connection—or lack thereof—to Johnny Mize, as well as his wife, contract details, and net worth in 2025. Let’s dive deep into the story of this talented pitcher and what lies ahead in his career.

Is Casey Mize Related to Johnny Mize?

One of the most common internet searches involving Casey Mize is: “Is he related to Johnny Mize?” It’s a fair question, given the shared last name and ties to baseball excellence.

Who Was Johnny Mize?

Johnny Mize, nicknamed “The Big Cat,” was a Hall of Fame first baseman who played in Major League Baseball from 1936 to 1953. He starred for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and New York Yankees. A 10-time All-Star and 5-time World Series champion, Mize hit 359 home runs during his illustrious career.

Any Family Connection?

Despite the speculation, Casey Mize and Johnny Mize are not related. There is no documented genealogical or familial connection between the two baseball players. Johnny Mize hailed from Georgia, while Casey Mize is from Springville, Alabama. Although the surname “Mize” is relatively uncommon, this appears to be a coincidence rather than a family tie.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion largely stems from:

• Both players having the last name “Mize”

• Their prominence in MLB (albeit in very different eras)

• Fan fascination with baseball bloodlines

While many baseball stars are part of generational dynasties—like the Guerreros, Boones, and Bichette family—Casey Mize’s success is a product of his own talent, not a baseball legacy.

Casey Mize’s Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Born on May 1, 1997, in Springville, Alabama, Casey A. Mize showed athletic promise from a young age. He attended Springville High School, where he made waves as a standout pitcher. His performance earned him a spot at Auburn University, a powerhouse in NCAA Division I baseball.

Auburn University

At Auburn, Mize became one of the top collegiate pitchers in the country. His junior year was especially impressive, with a 10-6 record and a 3.30 ERA, accompanied by 156 strikeouts in just 114.2 innings pitched.

His pitching arsenal, including a fastball in the upper 90s and a devastating split-finger fastball, made him a favorite among MLB scouts.

2018 MLB Draft: No. 1 Overall Pick

The Detroit Tigers selected Casey Mize as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. This marked a major milestone in his career and the beginning of high expectations from the Tigers organization and fans alike.

Casey Mize’s MLB Career and Injury Setbacks

MLB Debut and Rookie Season

Casey Mize made his MLB debut on August 19, 2020, against the Chicago White Sox. While his rookie season had ups and downs, he displayed flashes of brilliance and finished the 2021 season with a 7-9 record and a 3.71 ERA over 30 starts.

Tommy John Surgery

In 2022, Mize suffered a forearm strain that led to the dreaded Tommy John surgery. The injury sidelined him for the entire 2022 and 2023 seasons. After nearly two years of rehab, Mize made his return in 2024, aiming to bounce back stronger than ever.

2025 Comeback

Now in 2025, Casey Mize is back in the Tigers rotation and showing signs of his old form. The Tigers are counting on him to anchor a young pitching staff as the team aims to climb the AL Central standings.

Casey Mize’s Wife: Meet Tali Mize

Behind every successful athlete, there’s often a supportive partner. In the case of Casey Mize, that partner is his wife, Tali Mize.

Who Is Tali Mize?

Tali (formerly Tali Levi) is Casey’s longtime partner. The couple met during their time at Auburn University and began dating in college. They tied the knot in 2019, shortly after Casey entered professional baseball.

A Private Yet Supportive Couple

While Casey and Tali prefer to keep their personal life private, Tali is known to be active on social media, often sharing moments from their life together, including travel, game day support, and rehab milestones.

She has stood by Casey through injuries and celebrated his return to the mound, demonstrating a strong bond and mutual support.

Casey Mize’s MLB Contract

Being the No. 1 overall pick comes with serious financial expectations, and Casey Mize’s contracts reflect his high value.

Signing Bonus (2018)

Upon being drafted by the Tigers, Mize signed for a $7.5 million signing bonus, one of the highest for a No. 1 pick at the time.

Pre-Arbitration Years

In his early MLB seasons (2020–2023), Mize was under a team-friendly contract, earning close to the MLB minimum, typically around $700,000–$800,000 annually.

Arbitration and Future Deal

In 2025, Mize enters arbitration, where players begin to earn salaries that reflect their market value. Depending on his performance, Casey Mize is expected to receive a deal worth $4–6 million per year, possibly more if he stays healthy and dominates.

Many experts believe the Tigers may eventually offer him a long-term extension, similar to deals given to young pitchers like Spencer Strider or Logan Webb.

Casey Mize’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Casey Mize’s estimated net worth is around $9–12 million. This figure considers:

• His $7.5 million signing bonus

• Annual MLB salaries

• Endorsements and sponsorships

• Investments and property

Endorsements

While not one of the league’s top marketable names (yet), Mize has had minor endorsement deals with sporting brands and local Michigan businesses.

As he continues his comeback and re-establishes himself as an ace, his off-field earning potential is likely to grow.

Casey Mize’s Pitching Style and Strengths

Mize’s pitching arsenal makes him one of the more technically advanced pitchers in MLB when healthy.

Key Pitches:

1. Fastball – Tops out at 96–97 mph, used to establish early count dominance.

2. Slider – Tight break, excellent against right-handed batters.

3. Splitter (Split-Finger Fastball) – Arguably his best pitch, used as a wipeout strikeout weapon.

4. Curveball – Used sparingly for mix and deception.

His command and pitch sequencing make him more than just a “thrower”—he’s a cerebral pitcher with advanced understanding of hitters’ weaknesses.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Casey Mize?

At 28 years old, Casey Mize is entering the prime of his career. If he can remain healthy and sustain his form, he has the tools to become a consistent top-of-the-rotation starter.

Goals for the 2025 Season

• Complete a full season post-injury

• Maintain an ERA under 3.80

• Record 150+ strikeouts

• Help the Tigers reach playoff contention

Fans and analysts alike will be watching Mize closely, not just as a comeback story, but as a blueprint for rebuilding a pitching career post-surgery.

Quick Facts: Casey Mize

Conclusion

Casey Mize is an integral part of the Detroit Tigers’ future. Despite the setback of Tommy John surgery, he is back on the mound and eager to prove his value. Although he is not related to Johnny Mize, he carries his own legacy—one rooted in hard work, talent, and resilience.

With a supportive wife, a lucrative MLB contract, and a promising 2025 season ahead, Casey Mize remains a name to watch in Major League Baseball.